Mineral resources

The course will cover the following topics:

• mineral resource issues in a global context,
• the main types of metal deposits, their formation process and mining,
• The environmental impact of mining.

Practical work will aim to familiarize you with the main metalliferous minerals (macroscopic observations and use of metallographic microscopes).

A field day will complete the training by studying examples of metal deposits.

Hourly volumes:

CM: 9h

Practical work: 12h

Field : 6h

Introduction to the concepts of mineral resources, mineral and metal deposits, and the mineralogy of non-silicate species. Raising awareness of the environmental impacts of mining.

EU Minerals and rocks

Recommended prerequisites :

EU The Earth and its resources

UE Structural geology

Full continuous assessment (assessments of practical work, fieldwork and coursework).

Brief description of concepts covered in CM

• The global context and the role of mineral and metal resources in the energy transition.
• Major types of metalliferous deposits: magmatic, hydrothermal and sedimentary.
• Environmental impacts of mineral resource exploitation.

Summary description of practical sessions and number of hours for each session

• Metallic minerals: native, halides, sulfides (macroscopy and microscopy).
• Metallic minerals: oxyhydroxides, carbonates, silicates (macroscopy and microscopy).
• Description of the themes/manips covered during your field trip(s) and details of destinations/sites
• Allochthonous bauxite deposit.
• Barite, fluorite and copper sulfide/sulfate deposit.

Knowledge of metallotects and the main mineralizing processes in relation to major geological and geodynamic contexts.

Knowledge and recognition of minerals and metal deposits